Wheel press



4' `Sheets-Sheet l WHEEL PRESS Filed March 16, 1958 June 10, 1941. T. J. vANs'roNE ET AL June 1o, 1941. T, J, VANSTNE ETAL 2,244,927

WHEEL PRESS Filed March 16, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 10, 1941. T, J, VANSTQNE ETAL v2,244,927

WHEEL PRESS Filed March 16, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Juge 10,1941.

T. J. VANSTONE ET AL WHEEL PRES S Filed March 16, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented June 10, 1941 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE WHEEL PRESS Thomas J. Vanstone, Walter E. Vanstone, and Elmer G. Etes, Rockford, Ill.

14 Claims.

This invention relates to wheel presses of the type designed particularly for the straightening of automobile wheels and the like, though not limited solely to automobile wheels.

The invention is primarily concerned with a device for straightening automobile wheels f the pressed steel and wire spoke types which, as a result of accident, are frequently bent or distorted out of shape. Unless the damage to the wheel is too great, it has been found to be economical to straighten the wheel rather than substitute an entire new wheel. For this purpose numerous devices have been suggested and ernployed, all of which are subject to serious objections. In some cases the cost of the tools required becomes almost prohibitive, as in the case of straightening methods involving the use of shoes or dies against which the Wheel or the rim of the wheel is pressed or hammered to re-form the same. Such methods become expensive due to the wide variety in wheel shapes and sizes, each of which requires a diierent die. Others suggested devices while free of the above-mentioned objection are difficult to use in that they require a considerable number of operations and are inconvenient in use so that considerably more` time is required in performing the straightening operations.

An. aim of the present invention is' the provision of a generally improved wheel press of simplified design, of greater accessibility, greater accuracy in operation, and greater speed of operation.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a wheel press so constructed that the wheels are straightened substantially without the use of dies and with fewer operations than in the past. y i

A still Vfurther object of the invention is the provision of a wheel press capable of applying power directly at the desired points and in suff ficient degree to rapidly perform the required bending operations.

Another aim of the invention is the provision of a wheel press capable of operating on both sides of the wheel and around the entire periphery thereof while the Wheel occupies a fixedl posi- -tion in the press.

An important object of the invention is the Figure 1 is a vertical section through a wheel press embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top view thereof;

Fig. 3 is an elevation showing the press in one phase of the straightening operation;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged section of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary elevation similar to Fig. 3 showing a wire wheel in position on the press;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical section of Fig. 5 showing the manner of securing the wire wheel in position for straightening operations;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 3 showing a second type of straightening operation;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section through Fig. 7;

Fig. `9 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing another phase of the straightening operations on a steel wheel;

Fig. 10 is an elevation showing the parts in p0- sition for a further straightening operation of the type in which the wheel is bent upwardly;

Fig. 11 is a section through the wheel and straightening block of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a View similar to Fig. 11 showing the manner of straightening an eccentric Wheel;

Fig. 13 is a View similar to Fig. 10 showing a straightening operation in the hub of the wheel;

Fig. 14 is a section through the wheel, the wheel hub and table showing the relationship of the parts corresponding to Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a view showing the manner in which the wheel is reversed on the center column of the machine;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary section showing the rim straightening portion of the press;

Fig. 17 is a top view of the rim tool shown in Fig. 16, and

Figs. 18, 19 and 20 are fragmentary views showing the manner of using the rim tool.

Referring first to Figure 1, the embodiment herein shown has a base designated generally by the numeral 2l formed of heavy gauge steel plate and of a diameter sufficient to support the press rigidly and prevent tipping under the forces applied thereto. Welded to the center of the base 2l is a vertically disposed tube'22 forming a ceny tral column and guide for the press mechanism. The tube isrwelded to the base at its lower end 'and is closed at its upper end by a plate 23 Welded into the tube. The tube has an opening 24 adjacent its lower end and diametrically spaced slots 25 and 26 extending longitudinally thereof for purposespresently to be described. Positioned exteriorlyof the tube or column 22 is a tubular sleeve 2l, the inner surface thereof being but slightly greater in diameter than the outside diameter of the column 22 so as to fit snugly thereon, the column serving as a guide and lateral support for the tube. Extending transversely of the sleeve 2l is a crossbar 28, the bar passing through slots 29 and 3| of the sleeve and through the slots 25 and 25 of the column 22. The bar 28 has a slot 32 on its upper edge substantially on the axis of the column 22 for the reception of a yoke 33, the lower end of the yoke having a cup-shaped guide member 34 abutting against One end ofthe bar 28 has a boss 35 provided with a bore 36 for the lower edge of the bar 29.

slidable reception on a rod 3l positioned vertically on the base 2| by means of a threaded end 38 engaging a nut 39 threaded and welded into the base plate 2i. The upper end of the rod 3l is threaded as shown at 4| for the reception of Y l a knurled hand nut 42 adapted upon rotation to travel up and down the rod to act as a stop for the bar 28 and associatedp'arts, as will presently Means areA provided for moving the bar 23 and consequently the sleeve 2l up andA down with respect to the column 22. Preferably this means is located within the column 22, and while numerous devices may be used'fa hydraulic jack designated generally by the numeral 43 is herein provided having `a base M aflixed to the plate 2|. The screw ifand head member 46 are received Within the cup S' which serves as a guide for the head member to maintain the desired relationship between the bar 28 and the head member M in cases where the bar is lifted away from the jack 43. kThe jack has the usual injector @l and is'provided with a foot lever 4B extending out 'of the column through the opening 2t, the lever being provided with a foot pedal le for actuating the lever in a pumping stroke. A compression spring 5| enclosedwithin a telescoping housing 52 acts Ybetween the base plate 2| and the" lever d8 to return the lever after its operative injectionstroke, A valve 53 on the jack serves to release the pressure therein and permit the head member 46, the screw e5 and the piston 54 of the jack'to lower. VThe valve is actuated by a foot lever 55 extending outwardly to convenient position for actuation by the foot of the operator and having a spring (not shown) actingbetween'the base plate'2l and an arm 56 (Fig. 2) formoving the valve to the closed position. Thus, wheny the lever 48 is reciprocated by the Vfoot oi the operatonthe piston 5 is projected out of the jack against the crossbar 28, which in turn'moves upward in the slots 25 and 2t of the column 22 carrying with it the'sleeve Y 2, the bar abutting against the upper edges of the slots 29 and 3| for this purpose. The boss 35 likewise moves upward along the' rod 37.

When the operator depresses the valve lever 55,Y the weight of the parts carried on the jack are suicient to cause the piston 54 to be depressed andthe sleeve 26 consequently descends on the column 22.

spaced table bars 56 and 51 are secured sub,-

stantially'midway between their ends to they 55 wheel.

5 are secured together by means of hinges 33 and 36, the abutting ends oi the half rings being tapered as shown at 65 and 65 to permit of either half being tilted with respect to the other half. The table is held against lateral displacement by l0 pins 6l depending from the lower surface of the table and abutting against the sides of the table bars 56 and 61 (see Fig. 2). The table is formed of very heavy metal plate such as to resist bend- "ing or any substantial distortion under the maximum. pressure which can be applied thereto by the jack 43 or by this jack in combination with other jacks, as will presently be described.

Improved means are provided for securing the wheel in position upon the column 22. As hereto'forev described, the plate 23 is welded into the top of the tube in such a way as to provide a substantially smooth solid upper end therefor, as best shown in Figure l. The center of the plate 23 is drilled and tapped on the axis of the tube; as shown at 68, and receives a centering pin having a threaded portion 69 for engagement with the bore 68 and a larger threaded portion 7| providing a shoulder 12 abutting against the upper surface of the plate 23. The device is ar- 3f),- ranged for convenient removal and replacement of thel centering pin so that longer or shorter pins may be employed depending upon the wheel requirements. The pin serves to center a die plate designatedv generally by the numeral 13 and hold the die plate against lateral or tilting movement, the vdie plate having an opening 16 having a close iit on the pin but capable of rotation on the top of the column about the pin. A cap 'i5 having a central threaded bore `|6`is 4Q; adapted to be threaded onto the pin to bear at its lower edge against the rdie'plate and so confine and secure the die plate against rotation. A handle T| permits of convenientv tightening and loosening of the cap by the operator. The

4:53; die plate 13 has a plurality of threaded holes 'i8 Y for the reception of the conventional wheel bolts 79 of an automobile or other wheel. The holes 'i8 are so arranged and spaced as to care for any one of a large number of wheels, the die Vplate shown in Fig. 2 being capable of receiving the bolts Vof approximately of all automobilev wheels now in use. -It will be understood that additional die plates may be employed having holes to coincide with the bolt holes of lany nated generally by the numeral 82 against vthe die plate. Thus it will be seen that by loosening thecap 'l5 slightly so as to withdraw the llower (30 edge thereof from contact withthe die plate, thev Wheel may be rotated about the centering pin.' Thisis an important feature of the invention,y

in that it permits of convenient gauging of the wheel. It'will be seen that since the sleeve y2l is (35. concentric with the column 22 and the'centering 7 0 rotating the wheel and die plate the accuracy of the Wheel both as to eccentricity and other types of distortion may be determined. It will be noted 7 that this determination may be conveniently and rapidly made `at any point during? the straight;

75 ening operations simply by rotating the handle The -bolts 'l are screwed down so asrtov secure the hub portion 8|` of vthe wheel desig l' 11 slightly and swinging the wheel 'through a complete revolution.A These measurements are further facilitated by the fact that the elevation of the table may be rapidly changed by a few reciprocations of the foot lever 48 or by actuation of the valve lever 55.

It will be seen that the junction between the sections 59 and 6| of the table lies at an angle of substantially 90 with respect to the table bars 56 and 51. In order to independently rotate these table sections about the junction thereof, saddles designated generally by the numerals 84 and 85 are attached to the table bars. 'Ihese saddles consist of heavy gauge metal plates in the shape of Us each having a central portion 86 and angularly disposed'side portions 81 and 88 welded or otherwise secured to the table bars at their free ends. 'I'hese saddles are positioned between the table bars and beneath the table sections for the reception of elevating means, as will presently be described. Pins 89 and 9| extend between the table bars adjacent the ends thereof and slightly beyond the periphery of the table. Carried on each of the pins 89 and 9| are swinging arms designated generally by the numerals 92 and 93, each of these arms consisting of side members 94 and 95 journaled on the pins in a position against the inner surfaces of the table bars. The pins 89 and 9| have a sliding lit Vin the table bars and arms so that in certain uses of the machine the arms may be conveniently removed if desired. The side members 94 and 95 converge toward their free ends as shown at 96 and 91 (Figure l) and are interconnected at a point spaced from the ends thereof as shown at 98 to provide a rectangular opening 99 adapted vto receive'an overheadbar |0|. Normally the swinging arms occupy the position shown in Fig. 3 when only the inner side of a wheel is being worked upon. When the operator desires to work on the outer side of the wheel or on both sides of the wheel, the arms are swung from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 10 and the ends of the bar |0i| are inserted in the openings 99. The openings 99 are of such size that the bar |0| holds the arms in very nearly vertical position. 'Ihe side members 94 and 95 of the arms are spaced by means of spacer sleeves |02 positioned on the pins 89 and 9|. n

The remainder of the press can best be .described in connection with the mode of operation and the method of straightening wheels. which will now be described. Figs. 3, 4, and. 7 to 9 show the manner of straightening wheels which are bent inward from the plane of the hub and particularly where the distortion is actually in the hub portion of the wheel. In this case the wheel is attached in the press as shown in Figure 1. Where only one side of the wheel is bent, a right angled block designated generally by the numeral |03 and having a base portion |04 and upright portion is seated on the table below the downwardly depressed portion of the wheel. Thereupon the injector lever 48 is reciprocated by the foot, the operator adjusting the position of the block to bring the upper edge thereof into suitable engagement with the lower side of the wheel rim as shown in Fig. 4. Upon continued upward movement of the table, the metal of the wheel will be bent slightly in the hub by tilting action of the block on the wheel;

This action is continued or repeated until the gauge 83 shows, upon rotation of the wheel about the centering pin, that the hub yhas been straightened. This is normally the first step in the wheel straightening operations and is usable where the wheel is sprung in the hub to only a relatively small degree. When the wheel is badly sprung in the hub, straightening thereof is conducted as will be later described, for it will be observed that too great an upward pressure on the wheel may cause the holes in the hub to be ruptured, or in other words, the hub to be pulled 01T over the bolts 19. Where the wheel is dished slightly inward and is dished substantially equally on both sides, a second block |06 identical with the block |03 is Yemployed and positioned on the table diametrically opposed to the block |03, as shown iny Figs. '1 and 8. The table is lthen raised by actuation of the lever 48 until the upper edges of the blocks engage the lower side of the wheel as shown in Fig, 8 which, upon continued upward movement, causes the two sides of the wheel to be brought into alignment. Here again the straightening action must not be too severe and the end of the operation is determined by loosening the cap 15 and checking the wheel by rotating the same against the gauge 83. y

A Where the wheel is dished unequally the blocks |03 and |06 are used as described in connection with Figs. 7 and 8 until the side having the smallest run-out is brought into alignment. At this .point a jack |01 seated in the saddles 84 and and bearing against the diameter of the table sections is actuated as shown in Fig. 9 by means of a handle |08 or otherwise so as to tiltA the corresponding table section to apply continued bending force to the more badly distorted side' of the wheel. This operation is continued or`repeated until by rotation of the wheel the gauge 83 shows the same to be running true.

,In Figs, 5 and 6 there is shown the manner in which the press is used in the straightening of wire wheels when the rim of the wheel is out of alignment with the hub. In this case the hub isattached to the column as heretofore described and the table is brought up against the rim, Vforcing the rim into alignment with the hub. It will be observed that the opening in the center ofA the table is suflicient to permit the passage of the hub where this is necessary. When the rim is brought into alignment the spokes |09 thereof are heated, usually with a gas torch, so as to shrink the same. When necessary to move the rim inward with respect to the hub or when necessary to shrink the opposite row of spokes designated generally by the numeral the wheel and die plate are inverted on the column as shown in Fig, 15, a spacer sleeve 2 being in-v of the hub or bringing the same into alignment,-

whereupon the row of spokes is shrunk as heretofore described. y

In Figs. 10 to 14, inclusive, there is shown the manner in which outwardly directed bends are removed from vthe wheel. It will be understood, however, that frequently a wheel will have both inwardly-yY directed fand `outwardly directed bends.: in which'situatien themachine will be employed. from Ythe start withythe arms 92and 1.9.3:.above thejtable as shown in these figures,r the work' this vtimetthat the various .operations hereinzde scribed are by way of illustration'and are sev.- lected for this purpose from among manyv straightening operations for which the machine isadapted andywhich will be familiar to those skilledin the art. Likewise .it will 'be understood that thevarious operations .herein described `may loe-combined in various ways for'fmorecomp'licated bending procedure. In'Figs. 10 Yand .11 the means for straightening a Wheel which is bent outwardly at Vone side,-is shown, and includes a jack I|2 havingan operating handle II3; the'jack being seated on an arcuate bearing block I Iftpositioned against the outer side ofthe Wheel as shown in Fig. 11. The screw,.p1unger or vother jack part bears against the .overhead bar .'I9I. In this operation the :table .is'adjusted to the proper-height and the hand wheel 4.2 .rotated on the .screw '31 until it comes `into .abutment with the boss 35. The jackl .'|.I.2 is then actuated applying pressure to the block )I4 and forcing thev corresponding side of .the Wheel downward, therebyibending the wheel in the hub, the hand wheel 4412 preventing upward movement ofthe table under the lforce ofthe jack 43.'

In Fig.: 12 I'have shown the `means'and method for removing eccentricity from the rims of Wheels. In thisinstancegthe apparatus is set up as shown in Fig. 10 with the jack H2' .infplace as therein shown. HoWever,-in this instance 'a bar H6 ini the shape. of a flat strip of metal arcuate at its' ends, is interposed between :the lower side of the' In this' rim `and the'upperedge of the sleeve vZI. instance `.the .flat strip I I6 is formed of stock 11g" thick andZ wide, of ,appropriate length and Vrounded .on the ends. During this operation the handlint 42 Yis backed .away from the boss '35v in the manner shown in. Fig. 13 so that upon the actuation `of the jack `I'I2 pressure is simultane`' ously .applied'to the upper `and lower sides of the V Wheel under which circumstances the angularity of the strip VI i6 causes the rim .to Ybe bent outward radially, rthus removing the eccentricityfrom the rimand wheel.

In Figs.zl3 and 14 .there is shown the method and means for straightening wheels wherein there is excessive distortion in and near the hub of the wheel'such .as could not be removed in the manner shown in Figs. 3 and Liwithout damaging the bolt holes in the hub. In thisinsta-ncevv an ar-` cuate pressure block III is employed having a plurality of spaced ngers IIB. along its llowerl arcuate edge adaptedV to :rest upon the hub of thel Wheel between the bolts I9 andother obstructions present on the hub. In this instance the pressure block is of sufficient width to .extend from the hub to a point above the planeof vthe wheel rim,.and the jack .I I2 isseated thereon. The block. |103 .or

Illis seatedruponV thetable with its upper edge bearing against the rim .and the hand nut 42 is backed away from the boss 35 vas shown in Fig. 13.

Uponactuation .of .the ljack I I2 the table is raised. by means ofthe bar IIlI and' the arms `92 and .93,A

and .at Athe same time pressure is applied to the hub through the pressure block II-'I to hold the hub firmly. against thel die plate. In this position of the parts very severe pressure may be applied `-to the wheel -to lcorrect excessive distortions.-

in theghub and ftocorrect distortions in the web connecting the huib and .-the rim, particularly in the area designated bythe numeral I I9 in Fig. 14.

It will "be understoodr that the operations described-inconnection vwith Figs. 10 and 13 may also be performed where the wheel is dished by.

employ-ing a second jackand pressure blocksfon the opposite yside of the hub in a manner analogo us to Figs. 7 -and..9 so as to .simultaneously bend both sidesofthe wheel. It willflikewise -be aunderstood that during-these straightening operations the alignment vofthe Yvarious parts ofthe wheel mayv be checked bygmeans of the surface gauge 83 in the nmanner heretofore described.

f .'l'llmuehone or. yall, ...of .the operations hereto# forefdescribedf dependingupon vthe type of distortion in .thepar-ticular wheel, the wheelv should have been brought --to .ya condition in whichthe same .will .runtrue, 1andthe next operations ar-e those-off-straghtening and re-forming the vario-us portions of .the rim perse, -that is,v the straightening of bent .flanges land shoulders on the rim andA short bends .of dents Yin the well of the rim. Forv this purpose .the device show-n in Figs. 16 to.20, inclusive, .is provided. This means consists of .a tool carried. onthesleeves Ir2 comprising a body member. ..|2 I pivotallysupported by meansV of. a pin A4I 2.2 fon spaced `.arma-I 23 attached to a sleeve: in the .form of .two halftubular Yportions |24` andY |25 adapted.toseatyaroundthe slee-ve |02. The arms |23 are. rigidly attached to the tubular portion I24'and :the tubularportion --I25 ishinged as shown `at v.|26 along `oneedge thereof, the opposite edge carrying spaced-clamping .boltsf |21 adapted tofclamp around the sleeve 4|02 and permit vrotas tionof..the tool thereon. Through this means the..tool.may'be transf-erred from one side of the press .to-theother should occasion demand .and may'alsobe removed from thefpress where a large number of straightenin-g operations of the naturelshown in Figs. 3 to 9 are performed. Thisjalsopermits theftool `to .be rotated in .a .clockwise directionfacingFiglS so that the tool hangs down alonglthesidelof .thepress loutof the Way of the operator.. during. other straightening operations.

The .bodyjportion 'I.2I has asocket portion .|28

adapted for the .receptionof `a handle |29 forvac.-`

tuation of theftool. The body portion also .has .a centra1..slot|.3| .fortherece'ption of one end Iof jaws, |32 v.alim-1.33, the. jaw .|32. being .pivotall-y carried Ythereinabove.the. pivot point |22- by means .of a pin |34 andthe jaw I33ibeingpivotally carried .there'below Yloyfva ,pin I 35 in Y.such manner that rotation of the'body `about the pin .I 22 causes relative longitudinal movement of the jaws. The

I .jaw |32 fiscurved*upwardly'radjaoent its free end as vshown at` |36 Yand thence downwardly .as shown at' |31 to give `the Ajaw 2a hoolzeline shape. The

jaw is also flattened toward its'free end as will appearfrom Fig. 17.' The jaw |33 is in this instance substantially rectangular in cross sectional shape andis-slightly shorter 'than the jaw |32.

y:In Fig; 16 the rim :tool is shown in position for the .straightening -of i the Ashoulder `and connecting wall of a wheel rim;v Inthis instance a foot desigf- Y f natedgenerallyfby the numeral v|38 and having.

socket portion |39 and bearing plate |4| is positioned on the end of the jaw |33 adapted to bear against the well |42 of the wheel. The wide bearing plate |4| prevents distortion of the well portion during the operation of the tool. The end |31 of the j aw |32' is brought into position against the back of the shoulder portion |43 of the rim,y

and it will be seen that when the handle |29 is depressed the jaw |32 will be moved toward the right facing Fig. 16 and the end |31 will move the metal of the shoulder outward. For short bends this .may be suflicient to straighten the shoulder, but where the bend is longer it may be necessary to rotate the wheel slightly and repeat the operation until the shoulder is brought out to the desired extend as indicated by the surface gauge 83 upon rotation of the wheel as heretofore described.

In Fig. 18 there is shown the means and manner of straightening the flange of the rim, and in this instance the end ofthe jaw `|33 is brought against the shoulder |43 and the end |31 of the jaw |32 is brought against the outer surface of the rolled edge |44 of the rim flange |45. Upon downward movement ofthe handle |28 the rolled edge |44 is drawn outward radially bringing the rolled edge of the flange to the proper curvature. I-Iere again the operation may be repeated at spaced points along the flange to accomplish the end result.

In Fig. 19 are shown the manner and means for reforming the rim ange in which instance a foot |46 is positioned on the jaw |33 having a beveled face |41 providing a sharp edge |48 adjacent the upper surface thereof for engagement in the corner between the shoulder and the iiange. The end |31 of the jaw |32 is positioned against the back of the shoulder |43, and upon depression of the handle |29, the shoulder is forced against the end |31 re-forming the shoulder and the fiange. In Fig. 20, there is shown the means and manner of tilting the rim, in which instance the jaw |33 is brought against the inner flange |49 of lthe wheel and the jaw |32 provided on its end with a foot having a socket Iand a bearing plate |52 is brought against the back of the upper vshoulder |43. Upon downward movement of the lever |29 the rim will be tilted by action of the jaws. It will be understood that in the various operations the jaws may be used with or without appropriate feet depending upon the nature of the operation to be. performed, and that during the rim straightening operations the table .is raised or lowered as may be required to affectuate proper angularity between the jaws and the work. The rim straightening operations are conducted in substantially the same manner on both wire spoke wheels and pressed steel wheels.

Attention is briefly directed to the manifold Iadvantages of the invention. It will first be observed that the wheel hub is at all times maintained at right angles to the axis of the column 22 and the sleeve 21, and parallel with the table,

thus always providing an 'accurate starting point for the work. Furthermore, the forces in substantially all cases are applied in a direction parallel to the axis of the work and work support and all movements are parallel to the axis of the column. Another important advantage is the fact that the operator can simultaneously work from both sides of the wheel or can alternately work from opposite sides of the wheel. Furthermore, the wheel can be easily inverted where necessary without removing the same from the die or without disturbing the parallelism of the parts. Another important advantage is the convenience in that movements of the table are accomplished while the operators hands are free, that is, by foot reciprocation of the injector lever 48 or by foot operation of the valve. It will also be observed that the operator can work from all sides ofk the press without hindrance from bulky mechanism projecting from or located at the sides of the table. A further yadvantage of the construction is in the fact that the table is movable and the use thereon of blocks permits the power to be applied to the wheel directly at the desired points. An important feature is the facility with which the work may lbe checked as the wheel straightening operations proceed, since by a fraction of a turn on the handle 11 the wheel is released and may be rotated for checking the matter of alignment and to determine when the parts have reached their proper location, and. a correspondingly simple operation refastens the wheel for continuation of the work. A still further advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the same tools and equipment are used regardless of the size or shape of the wheel, and no special Vdies or forms are required, and in the fact that the press is capable inherently .ofy conducting all of the necessary straightening operations. The circular table provides free access from all sides and the sectional construction thereof greatly facilitates the Work and shortens the time required in that it lends flexibility to the straightening operations and greatly reduces the number of separate operations which would otherwise be required -to straighten the wheel. The hinges on the table serve to keep the sections of the table in place with respect to each other and the pins 61 permit the table to be moved from side to side for certain specialized work, such, for example, as the truing of eccentric wheels as shown in Fig. 12.

A further advantage lies in the fact that the rim straightening operations are equally effective on either pressed steel wheels or wire spoke wheels, and that the press is equally effective in straightening of either type of wheel.

It will be understood that the apparatus and method herein disclosed are by way of illustration, and that numerous changesmay be made within the spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

We claim:

1. The combination in a wheel press of means for supporting a wheel at the hub thereof, a table supported in a plane parallel to the wheel hub, and means for moving the table toward and away from the wheel to exert a bending pressure there. on, a part of the table being movable out of parallelism with the hub to exert independent bending pressure on selected portions of the wheel upon movement of the table against the wheel. y

2. The combination in a wheel press of a central stationary column, means at yone end thereof for supporting a wheel in axial relation therewith, a sleeve on said column movable thereon as a guide, a table on said sleeve` adjacent the end thereof next to said wheel in a plane transverse to the axis of the sleeve and column, an arm on said sleeve projecting beyond said wheel, means on said arm disposed across said wheel and in spaced relation thereto, and means acting between said means and the adjacent side of .said wheel for rmoving `the Vsleeve and table to low central stationary column, meansv at the g upper end vthereof for supporting a wheel in horizontal position, a sleeve on said column movable thereon as a guide, a table on said sleeve adjacent the upper end thereof and below the wheel in a plane transverse to the axis of the sleeve and column, and means within said column for moving the sleeve and table vertically to exert a bending pressure on the Wheel.

4. The combination in a Wheel press of a hollow central stationary column having diametrically opposed slots extending longitudinally thereof, means at one end thereof for supporting a wheel in axial relation therewith, a sleeve on said column movable thereon as a guide, a table on said sleeve adjacent one end thereof in a plane transverse to the axis of the sleeve and column, a crossbar extending through said slots and into said sleeve, and means acting on said crossbar within the column to move the sleeve and table longitudinally thereof and exert a bending pressure on the wheel.

5. 'Ihe combination in a Wheel press of a central stationary column, means at one end'thereof for supporting a Wheel in axial relation therewith, a sleeve on said column Imovable thereon as a guide, a table on said sleeve adjacent the end thereof next to said wheel in a plane'transverse to the axis of the sleeve and column, a cross bar extending across Said Wheel on the side opposite said table and in spaced relation to said l wheel, .means for movingthe sleeve to exert a bending pressure on the wheel, and adjustable stop means for limiting movement of said sleeve and table under the actionY of said last mentioned means acting between said cross bar and the adjacent side of said wheel.

6. The combination in a wheel press of a hollow central stationary column having diametrically opposed slotsl extending longitudinally p n thereof, means at one .end thereof for supporting plane transverse to the axis of the sleeve and ,y column,a crossbar extending. through said slots and into said sleeve, means acting on said crossbar Within the column to move'the sleeve and table longitudinally thereof and exert a bending pressure on the wheel, and adjustablestop' means acting on said crossbar to limit movement of said sleeve and table in one direction.l

7. The combination in a wheel press of a hollow central stationary column having diametrically opposed slots. extending longitudinally thereof, means at rone endA thereof for supporting a wheel in axial relation therewith, a sleeve` on said column movable thereon as a. guide, a table on said sleeve adjacent one end thereof in a plane transverse to the axis of the sleeve and column, a crossbar extending through saidslots and into said sleeve, a hydraulic jack within said column acting on said crossbar to move said sleeve in one direction to exert a bending pres-j sure on the Wheel, and means between the crossbar and said jack for maintaining alignment of the crossbar and jack.

8. The combination in a wheel press lof a cen-V tral stationary column, means atA .one-,end vthereof for-supporting awheel in axialrela-tion theres with, a sleeve on said column movable .thereon as; aguide, a table onsaid sleeve adjacent the Sit) end thereof next to. said `wheel in a plane .transverse to the axis of the sleeve and column.v

cross barV extending across said wheel in spaced Arelation thereto, means for connecting said .cross bar lto said sleeve, means acting `between said cross barv and said Wheel for movingthe sleeve and Ytable to exert a bending pressureon the Wheel, and foot operated means moving said sleeve and table through .approach .movement into bending. position .with respect to said .-wheel.

9. The combination ina Wheel press .of a. cen.- tral stationary column, means at one end thereof for supporting a Wheel in axial relation therewith, a :sleeve on .said .column movablethereon as a guide, a sectional table on said sleeve-adjacent said wheel in a plane transverse to the vaxis of Athe column, means for moving the sleeve longitudinally of the column to move the -tablefas a unit through-a bending stroke, and means for independently moving said table sections to vapply local bending pressure to the Wheel.

l0. The combination ina wheelA press of a stationary column, means a-t one-end thereof lfor supporting a wheel at the hub in axial relation therewith, a sleeve on said column movable thereon as a guide, a table on said sleeve adjacent said wheel in a plane parallel to the wheel hub. said table comprising two table sections hinged together for tilting movement with respect to each other, means for `moving the sleeve longitudinally of the column to move the table as a unit through a bending stroke and means for independently tilting saidv table sections to apply local bending pressure to the wheel.

l1. The combination in a wheel press of a stationary column, means at one end thereof'for supporting a wheel atV the hub in axial relation therewith, a table transverse to .the axis of said column movable thereon as a guide toward and away from the wheel, a cross bar carried on said table and disposed above said wheel, means act.- ing between the upperside of said wheel and saidv cross bar for applying force to the upper side of the wheel and simultaneously applying the counterforce to said table and against the opposite side of the wheel, and means on said table for applying .local pressure to the rim of the wheel upon approach movement o f the table.

12. The combination in a wheel press of a stationary column, means at yone end thereof for supporting a wheel at "the hub in axial relation therewith, a table'movable thereon-as a guide toward and away from the wheel, armsat opposed sides of said table rotatable betweeninoperative positions below vsaid table. and positions thereabove, said'arms being movable. .with"the table, a crossbar carried on said arms above said wheel, a pressure block .positioned against .said wheel, and means interposed between Ythe .block and ythe cross arm for applyingpressure .to the block to ybend the Wheel.

13. The combination in a wheel press .of a stationary colummmeans at one-end thereof for supporting a wheel at `the hub in axial relation therewith, a table movable thereon vas aguide toward and awa-y from the wheel, arms-at op posed sides vof said table rotatable between inoperative positions below said table and positions thereabove, said armsbeing movable with; the table, a crossbar connecting lsaid arms above said wheel, a pressure block; postionediasainst the upper side of said wheel, a-'pressure block' be;

tween said table and the lower side of said wheel, and means interposed between said arm and the block at the upper side of said wheel for applying pressure to said wheel through said upper block and for moving said table upward to simultaneously apply pressure to the wheel through said lower block.

14. The combination in a wheel press of a stationary column, means at one end thereof for supporting a. wheel at the hub in axial relation therewith, a table movable thereon as a guide toward and away from the Wheel, arms at opposed sides of said table rotatable between inoperative positions below said table and positions thereabove, said arms being movable with the table, a crossbar carried on said arms above said wheel, a pressure block positioned against the upper side of said wheel, means interposed between the block and the cross arm for applying pressure between the block and the cross arms, and means for limiting upward travel of said table.

THOMAS J. VANSTONE.

WALTER E. VANSTONE.

ELMER G, ETES.

CERTIFICATE OE CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,2LILI,927. June IO, 19in.

THOMAS J. VANSTONE, ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, first column, line 59, claim 5, strike out "and table and insert the same after "sleeve" in line56, same claim; lines'LIO and lll, strike out "acting between said cross bar and the adjacent side of said wheel" and insert the same after "means" in line 5 6, same claim 5; and second column, line lO, claim 8, after "means" insert the word --for; and that the said .Letters Patent should be read with this correctionA therein that the same may conform to the record of 'the -case in the Patent Office.

I Signed and sealed this 12th day of August, A. D. 19H1.

v Henry Van Arsdale, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

